I moved to the West Coast from Michigan. Here are the 9 biggest differences I noticed.
The West Coast and the Midwest are actually more similar than you think. Just to name one similarity that you probably didn’t think of, here you go:
Lake life and Cali beach life are very similar. See below for a comparison.
Above you’ll see a photo that you won’t even believe is in Michigan. Yes, people surf in Michigan. Michigan is known for its incredible Great Lakes, where ship captains have literally warned against the strong current.
And to no surprise, yes people also surf in California. See photo below of some dude shredding.
So, with all of that said, it would make sense why someone would want to move from the Midwest to the West Coast. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today. We’re here to talk about the 9 differences between the two, from a now Cali-local himself.
1. Believe it or not, the lakes in Michigan are actually warmer than the Pacific Ocean.
On average, the Pacific Ocean near LA will be anywhere from 58 degrees Fahrenheit at its coldest to 68 degrees Fahrenheit at its warmest.
Lake Michigan can reach a whopping 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit!!
2. Weather is an obvious one.
Not sure I really need to state this one, but I’m going to anyway. The Midwest has actual winter. The West Coast does not. On average, the worst it’ll get in LA at “winter time” is 50/55 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudy. Most days are sunny and on the warmer side though.
Unless you’re in the mountains on west coast, where it actually does snow.
3. Tourists. Expect them. A lot of them.
I used to live in a calm suburb in Southeast Michigan. I now live in Santa Monica, California, where millions of people come to visit every year, in addition to the already millions of people that live here.
It was weird for me at first. People strolling through my sidewalks, buying t-shirts that say “I ❤ Santa Monica” on them, and crowding my neighborhood restaurants & coffee shops. At the end of the day, I live in a city that people want to visit for a reason. So whether you’re used to tourists or not, expect them on the West Coast.
It’s not all bad though. It kind of makes you feel lucky to live in such a special city, so special that people care to come see it from all over the world. In fact, them coming to see it is probably the very reason you moved here in the first place.
4. Rent is SO expensive.
Well kind of. I may even get chewed out for saying this. I personally don’t believe the rent in Los Angeles is unbearable. However, I do believe you’ll get more for your money elsewhere. It’s not like rent is necessarily cheaper anywhere else. I would still pay just under $2,000/month for an apartment in Miami, but I’d most likely get my own place for that. Whereas in California, you’ll have to share an apartment for that price.
5. Casual Clothing
I rarely see people wearing button-downs or suits while walking the streets of LA. On average, on the West Coast, people are a lot more relaxed when it comes to “dressing up”. Even jobs won’t necessarily require a specific dress code. The Midwest may tend to be a little more conservative when it comes to workwear.
6. Flat vs Mountainous
Also, not sure if I really needed to mention this one, but here we go. The Midwest isn’t entirely flat, but the West Coast is very opposite of flat. From calming trails in the Midwest to 8-hour breathtaking mountainous hikes on the West Coast, both have unique qualities to appreciate.
7. Industry
Every city or state is usually known for a professional industry. Michigan is cars. The West Coast kind of has everything. Keep that in mind that when moving west, your opportunities may increase (along with competition), but frankly just because there is way more opportunity.
8. Different Grocery Stores
If you’re used to Krogers in the Midwest, get ready for Ralph’s. Still owned by Krogers, Ralph’s is an exact replica, and will even sell Krogers brand name products. Plum Market in Michigan is Whole Foods & Erewhon on the West Coast.
9. Culture
Cali culture is chill. People aren’t necessarily in a rush. Politics tend to lean a little more to the liberal side. Venice turns into a playground on Sundays. But people turn into hustlers on the weekdays to make their dreams come true. This is the norm in California. From my own personal experience, I would say that the Midwest has a norm to get a great-paying job and stay on the traditional path. The few dreamers stick out like sore thumbs. I’m not saying this is bad, it’s just different. Whatever floats your boat, do you.
With all of this said, these are the 9 biggest differences I’ve noticed so far from the Midwest to the West Coast. I know there’s so much more that I’m missing, so comment down below and I’ll add them to this list.
If you’re thinking about moving from the Midwest to the West Coast, you’ve got it. It’s truly not that different from what you’re already used to. Change some grocery store names, add a few extra degrees, remove the snow, add some palm trees, expect to pay a little more, and find friends along the way who are also working to make their dreams come true.
So much love,
Jonnie.
